Saturday, January 8, 2011

The smell of chocolate cake coming from the oven means that it is close to finish. The house smells delightful and several people have tried to bottle this smell in the form of a candle

but a chocolate cake smell means that a delicious dessert is about to happen.

One that can be enjoyed by all the senses (unlike a candle. ) =)

So today my house smells like chocolate cake. But this one is for a competition and since I am not

on the judging panel I won't get to taste this one.

This summer I ventured out and did something I never did before. I entered my chocolate cake in two of the local fairs, in hopes of winning a blue ribbon. No blue ribbon this time, but I took 2nd place both times.

My cake is the one with the pink flower.

About 2 months ago I got a phone call from a lady who told me that the 1st place winner was unable to go to the state fair and therefore the opportunity was mine. Of course I said yes, I would love to take my chocolate cake to the state fair.

So today is the day I am hoping to win a Brown and White Hershey's Ribbon. But for me it is not always about winning but it is about taking a risk. Getting out of my comfort zone.

So much to see at the state fair. Animals of all kinds and food that is...

the best tasting.

Probably because I only have it once a year!

People to watch, yep, I am a people watcher! And so many expensive/cheap souvenirs.

And lots of free stuff, too.

And the big event today is the High School Rodeo!

The only problem I see with the rodeo is my son thinking that

bull riding might be fun.

Gotta go put the finishing touches on my cake and we are offto a day filled with....so much excitement (especially for the kids.)And hopefully a Brown ribbon!

Friday, January 7, 2011

I started this blog to document my new found love for decorating cakes. And it has been basically cake related ever since, but as I look into the new year and what it may bring my way I think that maybe it is time to spread my wings a little as I blog not only about cakes but also about who I am when I am not decorating cakes.

I have always loved baking, even as a little girl. If there was a choice between helping with cleaning or baking, you could find me in the kitchen. Of course that is where I learned a very important lesson about learning from your mistakes.

I was mixing up a batch of bars and when I read the recipe and it called for 3/4 cup brown sugar
and 3/4 cup white sugar, somehow my brain switched it up a little bit.
And what I added was 3 and 3/4 cup of both sugars.
Another thing about me is that I hate strongly dislike math and maybe that goes back to that day
because I then had to figure out how much of the rest of the ingredients I would need to make these
bars like they are intended to be.
With the help of my mom, we got it figured out and I have learned to read my recipes a little more carefully.

And the recipe that I was making is still one that sits in my recipe box as a go to for a quick recipe.

Its snowing outside and the kids are off to school, maybe I should make some of the above mentioned bars.
They would go perfect with my cup of coffee that just happens to be some of the best coffee in the world.
Costa Rica coffee is my new favorite.